Farmed rabbits are among the least regulated of all farmed species despite being produced in significant numbers across Europe. Their welfare needs are poorly met in conventional battery-cage systems.
Farmed rabbit welfare in Europe is significantly behind other major species in regulatory protection. The combination of very small cage space, low headroom, absence of hiding spaces, and high stocking density creates a system that prevents virtually all natural rabbit behaviors. Rabbits in enriched systems with raised platforms, hiding boxes, and increased space show dramatically reduced abnormal behavior frequencies and lower mortality rates. Consumer awareness of farmed rabbit welfare is extremely low compared to pigs or chickens, limiting the market pressure that has driven welfare improvements in other sectors. Certification schemes including RSPCA Assured in the UK and Label Rouge in France provide higher-welfare alternatives.